ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Soil Health Card scheme of Central Govt: A success story
In second phase 11.69 crore Soil Health Cards distributed to farmers in two years
Use of Chemical Fertilizers declines by 10%
The Soil Health Card scheme launched by the Modi Government during the financial year 2014-15 with a view to address the decline of soil nutrients, has started reaping fruit. In the second phase of the scheme 11.69 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers in the last two years.
Under the guidance of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and directions of the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, the Ministry is issuing the Soil Health Cards. This has enabled the farmers to understand the soil health parameters and improve its productivity by judicious application of soil nutrients.
A study conducted by the National Productivity Council  says the application of Soil Health Card recommendations has led to a decline of 8-10% in use of chemical fertilizers and also raised productivity by 5-6%.
Under the Central Government’s Soil Health Card Scheme Phase-I  10.74 crore cards were distributed, while under the Phase-II 11.69 crore cards have been give away during the period 2017-19.
In the current financial year a pilot project “Development of Model Villages” is being implemented under which the sampling and testing of cultivable soil is being encouraged in partnership with the farmers. Under the project a Model Village has been selected for aggregation of soil samples and analysis of each agricultural holding. As part of the scheme 13.53 lakh Soil Health Cards have been distributed during the year 2019-20.
For the setting up of Soil Health Laboratories under the scheme the states have been sanctioned 429 static labs, 102 new mobile labs, 8,752 mini labs, 1,562 village-level laboratories and strengthening of 800 existing labs.
The scheme provides for the analysis of soil composition by the State Governments once in every two years so that remedial steps can be taken to improve soil nutrients. Farmers can track their soil samples and also obtain their Soil Health Card report.
While the Soil Health Management Scheme has turned out to be a blessing for the farmers, it is also creating jobs for the agrarian youth. Under the scheme village youth and farmers up to 40 years of age are eligible to set up Soil Health Laboratories and undertake testing. A laboratory costs up to Rupees Five Lakhs, 75% of which can be funded by the Central and State Governments. The same provisions apply to Self Help Groups, Farmers’ Cooperative Societies, Farmers Groups and Agricultural Producing Organisations.
Interested youth farmers and Organisations can submit their proposals either in person to the Deputy Director  / Joint Secretary  or in their offices in respective districts. For details visit websites agricoop.nic.in or soilhealth.dac.gov.in or dial Kisan Call Centre .
Ministry of Defence
Indian Coast Guard signs MoU with Philippines Coast Guard on enhanced maritime cooperation; holds the first bilateral meet
In a significant step towards bolstering the bilateral cooperation between India and Philippines, Indian Coast Guard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with Philippine Coast Guard  on enhanced maritime cooperation. The MoU was signed by DG Rakesh Pal, Director General Indian Coast Guard and CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant, PCG at the Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi on 22 August 2023. Both the sides held their first bilateral meeting on a range of maritime issues.
The MoU inked today seeks to enhance the professional linkage between the two Coast Guards in the domain of Maritime Law Enforcement , Maritime Search & Rescue  and Marine Pollution Response . The implementation of this MoU will enhance bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations for ensuring safe, secure and clean seas in the region.The first ever bilateral meeting between both the maritime agencies signifies the dedication in strengthening the professional bonds by sharing best practices, conducting joint exercises and enhancing training collaborations.
A five member delegation of PCG is on an official tour of India from 20-24 August 2023. Earlier, the delegation visited Goa on 21 August, where they witnessed the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. During the visit, the delegation was also provided with a customer demonstration flight on the Indian Coast Guard Advance Light Helicopter MK-III. The delegates also visited Indian Coast Guard Ship Sujeet built by Goa Shipyard Limited.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
202.5 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
30,42,476 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,47,512
Active cases stand at 0.34%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.47%
18,159 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,32,46,829
14,830 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
87.31 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,26,102 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
AYUSH
Webinar on Harmonization of Regulation of Standardization of Traditional Medicinal Products of Brics Countries
Ministry of AYUSH organized a Webinar on Harmonization of Regulation of Standardization of Traditional Medicinal Products of Brics Countries under India’s BRICS Chairship of 2021recently. The event was attended by the eminent experts and stakeholders from the field of Traditional Medicine from India, China, South Africa, Russiaand Brazil. Ministry of AYUSH had proposed to organise the said webinar during the “First meeting of BRICS Sherpas” held on 24-26 February 2021 as a part of India’s Chairship of BRICS 2021 which was agreed by the Member States. Ministry of AYUSH had also hosted the virtual meeting of the “BRICS Experts in Traditional Medicines” 25th March 2021.
Dr. Manoj Nesari, Adviser , Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India chaired the event and delivered opening remarks. While briefing about the Webinar, Dr.Nesari emphasized on India’s BRICS 2021 priorities and deliverables in the field of Traditional Medicine with the aim of enhancing and strengthening BRICS collaboration. The proposal from India included MoU on BRICS Cooperation in Traditional Medicines and constitution of BRICS Forum on Traditional Medicine . He underlined the need for harmonisation of regulation of standardization of traditional medicinal products amongst BRICS countries. Initiatives taken by India for the mitigation of COVID19 through AYUSH system of medicine were also highlighted upon.
During the first session of the Webinar, Country presentations were made by the representative of BRICS countries on Drug regulations; Service Standards & Regulations; Pharmacopeia of Traditional Medicine in their respective countries. “AYUSH regulations and pharmacopoeial standards”; “Pharmacopoeia of Indian Traditional systems of Medicine - An overview and “Standardization and Regulation of AYUSH Healthcare Services”were made byIndian side. During the second session of the Webinar, discussionwas held among the industry stakeholders from the field of Traditional Medicine from BRICS Countries. Comprehensive presentations were made by the representatives of Traditional Medicine industry from India and China.
The experts and stakeholders of Traditional Medicine from the BRICS countries expressed their appreciation and extended cooperation and support for the India’s efforts and initiatives taken for the promotion of Traditional Medicine globally including for BRICS countries.
Ministry of Steel
Consultative Committee meeting of the MPs for the Ministry of Steel held
Meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Steel was held here today. The Minister of Steel and Petroleum & Natural Gas ShriDharmendraPradhan chaired the meeting on “Steel Cluster Development”. Minister of State for Steel ShriFaggan Singh Kulaste, and Honourable MPs- S/Shri Vijay Baghel, Chandra PrakashChoudhary, Janardan Singh Sigriwal, BidyutBaranMahato, SaptagiriSankarUlaka, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Satish Chandra Dubey and Narendra Kumar Swain also took part in the meeting.
Welcoming the members, ShriPradhan said that Steel has been playing an important role in the industrial development of India, as it is a key input for critical sectors such as infrastructure, construction and automobile. Indian Steel capacity has steadily grown to 142 MTPA, with the country becoming the world’s second largest producer of steel. Total steel consumption is expected to nearly 160 MTPA by 2024-25, and the Government is promoting domestic production and consumption of steel. The Secondary Steel producers contribute about 55% of the total steel production, and it also contributes significantly to employment generation across the value chain.ShriPradhan said that globally, the steel industry has thrived in a cluster model, as they enhance competitiveness of these units. He said that the Central Government is keen to facilitate creation of new steel clusters in line with the global benchmarks, and establish the right institutional mechanism to systemize the existing clusters. ShriPradhan said that draft policy for development of steel clusters in India prepared by the Ministry of Steel is an endeavor to help resolve the existing challenges faced by the steel units and unlock their growth potential.The Policy will take into account the role and responsibilities of various stakeholders, particularly the State Governments, Industry and the people.
Hon’ble MPs made many important suggestions regarding the Steel sector, and particularly about the Cluster Policy.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
MCA amends Schedule III of Companies Act on disclosure norms in financial statements
In order to bring in greater transparency in reporting of financial statements, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs  vide notification dated 24.03.2021 has amended the Schedule III to the Companies Act, 2013 effective from 01st April, 2021 to mandate various disclosures by companies in their financial statements. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Shri Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
The Minister stated that the new disclosures with respect to the virtual currency/crypto currency transactions and CSR spending undertaken by companies during a financial year are:-
- Details of Crypto Currency or Virtual Currency
Where the Company has traded or invested in Crypto currency or Virtual Currency during the financial year, the following shall be disclosed:-
- profit or loss on transactions involving Crypto currency or Virtual Currency
- amount of currency held as at the reporting date,
- deposits or advances from any person for the purpose of trading or investing in Crypto Currency/virtual currency.
- Details of Corporate Social Responsibility 
Where the company covered under section 135 of the companies act, the following shall be disclosed with regard to CSR activities:-
- amount required to be spent by the company during the year,
- amount of expenditure incurred,
- shortfall at the end of the year,
- total of previous years shortfall,
- reason for shortfall,
- nature of CSR activities,
- details of related party transactions, e., contribution to a trust controlled by the company in relation to CSR expenditure as per relevant Accounting Standard,
- where a provision is made with respect to a liability incurred by entering into a contractual obligation, the movements in the provision during the year should be shown separately.
Election Commission
Campaign for Second Phase of General Election to Lok Sabha, 2019 Ends Today
3 Lok Sabha Constituencies of West Bengal among 97 across 12 States and 1 UT to go to Polls in Second Phase on April 18
Kolkata, April 16, 2019
The campaigning for the second phase of General Election to the Lok Sabha, 2019 ended today. In this phase of election, 97 Lok Sabha constituencies across 12 States and one Union Territory, including three constituencies of West Bengal-Jalpaiguri , Darjeeling and Raigunj will have poll. The date of poll is April 18, 2019 . The polling in West Bengal will start at 7 am and continue till 6 pm.
The total number of candidates contesting in this phase is 1629, out of which, 42 are from West Bengal from 11 parties. Out of the 42 candidates, three are women. There are 5390 polling booths in West Bengal in this phase of election. The number of electors in this phase is nearly 157934518, out of which the electoral number is nearly 4932346 in West Bengal. The number of male voters in this State is nearly 2522887, the number of females, 2409372 and third gender nearly 87.
It is to be noted that Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora and the Election Commissioners Shri Ashok Lavasa and Shri Sushil Chandra reviewed the poll arrangements in specific constituencies of West Bengal going to polls in second and third phases on Monday  through video-conferencing with General Observers, Police Observers and Expenditure Observers deployed in three Parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal, in second phase, namely Jalpaiguri , Darjeeling and Raigunj as well as Balurghat, Maldaha Uttar, Maldaha Dakshin, Jangipur, Murshidabad in third phase of poll.
The Commission impressed upon all the observers to remain on constant vigil and ensure that the polls are conducted in absolutely free, fair and credible manner.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju launches new website of Department of Justice
Keeping in mind the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Nyaya, Department of Justice launched a new website to provide citizens a one stop platform for all digital initiatives of the Department. The revamped website was inaugurated today by Union Minister of Law and Justice, Shri Kiren Rijiju at an event held at Jaisalmer Bhawan.
The new website is launched on S3WaaS platform . It leverages technology to generate secure websites using GIGW  compliant templates which are highly customizable and can seamlessly be deployed on a scalable software defined infrastructure. Using this platform, the website has now been made more user friendly, it can be easily edited and it is a move towards uniformity. Thereby, ensuring transparency, accessibility and seamless dissemination of information to the public and a large step towards doorstep delivery of services.
The new website is interactive and gives better access to citizen centric services. Now, the live streaming of court proceedings of Hon’ble High Courts of Gujarat, Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Patna and Madhya Pradesh can be viewed here, the judgements and orders of Hon’ble High Courts can be easily accessed, case status can be checked using CNR number, traffic violations can be settled, near real-time data relating to judicial proceedings/decisions of all computerised district and subordinate courts of the country through NJDG can be accessed.
All information related to eCourts Mission Mode Project, Appointment of Judges, Fast Track Special Courts, Nyaya Bandhu, Gram Nyayalaya, DISHA scheme, Tele Law is made available here as the Ministry wish to establish this portal as a single source of information related to all endeavours of the Department of Justice. Designed from the user perspective, the website is divyang friendly and provides an inclusive platform to accommodate all the sections of society.
In future the Ministry intends to have digital town halls with senior officials, live chat bot for replies to FAQs, surveys and polls on various subjects to gauge the mood of the nation, dialogue forums for suggestions, feedback and grievances etc
Ministry of Civil Aviation
AAI observes Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2020
Airports Authority of India  commenced Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2020 . The week-long celebration is being observed at all airports and ANS locations managed by AAI across India.
Shri Arvind Singh, Chairman, AAI, requested all Regional Executive Directors & Airport Directors to be proactive and to devote time personally for monitoring safety performance of their respective region/station. Shri Singh further stressed that during Covid-19 situation in spite of reduced flight movements, it has been observed that wildlife/bird menace has increased at airports. Safety preventive measures should continue unabated irrespective of traffic volume.
To raise awareness on Aviation Safety, AAI will undertake various employee engagement programs at the airports and ANS stations like reviewing of documents and facilities, Mock exercises, preventive maintenance etc. Various social campaigns too will be rolled out to raise awareness on the issue. Banners and posters are being displayed across AAI offices and operational centres to educate both external and internal stakeholders on the significance of the Safety Awareness Week.
Shri Maneesh Kumar DDG, DGCA has emphasized to achieve long term objective of Zero fatality by the year 2030 as envisaged by ICAO in its Global Aviation Safety Plan  through better managed safety systems of stakeholders.
In order to make people of surrounding community aware about their role in ensuring safety of aircraft operation in local airport, Airport Directors will be organizing awareness programme in school/colleges on role of local residents in aviation safety.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Olympian Shivpal Singh visits National War Memorial, pays tribute to Param Vir Chakra late Captain Manoj Pandey among other martyrs
Olympian Javelin thrower Shivpal Singh visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi which bears mute testimony to the supreme sacrifice made by the Indian soldiers post-independence.
The National War Memorial being a monument dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces that holds a long tradition of unflinching loyalty, valour and sacrifice in the line of duty is located next to the India Gate as a heritage site for all the citizens of India.
The staff at the National War Memorial welcomed the Olympian and briefed him about the war memorial. In words of the Director, this memorial has been conceptualised to promote a sense of patriotism in the minds of visitors, and will present an opportunity to citizens of this vast nation, to express their gratitude to the brave soldiers, who selflessly laid down their lives for the motherland.
Meanwhile, Singh, who is also a Junior Warrant Officer with the Indian Air Force since 2016, was taken around the site by one of the Army Officials showing the names of armed forces personnel martyred during the various armed conflicts with Pakistan and China as well as other operations like the 1961 Goa operation, Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, and all counter terrorist operations such as Operation Rakshak Operation Rhino, which are inscribed on the memorial walls in golden letters.
“Being an Armed Forces personnel, this visit has really made me very emotional as this place serves as a remembrance to the spirit of devotion unto death that has always motivated Indian troops to fight to the last man and last bullet against all overwhelming odds. It’s because of these sacrifices, we are standing safe here,” Shivpal expressed.
The site which covers an area of 40 acres of land was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 with its structure being built in the form of four chakras signifying the 'Chakravyuh' concept of Mahabharat, which also signifies different values of armed forces.
Names of more than 26000 martyrs are individually carved in each granite brick of the circular concentric walls of honour called the Tyag Chakra .
Later, the athlete who has been training in Sports Authority of India’s NS NIS Patiala Centre, paid tribute to Late Captain Manoj Pandey, Param Vir Chakra of the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles regiment, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, the same state as Singh.
Special Service and Features
Media functions as bridge between Administration and People: Cuddalore Collector Shri K Balasubramaniam
"The media’s role is very significant for the good governance of a democratic country. It is a bridge between Administration and People. It conveys the Government's schemes, policies, and efforts to the citizens, and also informs the Government about the problems of the public. Apart from providing information it also educates people. During the time of calamities, the media's role has been immensely excellent. When the media informs about the places affected by floods, it is easy for the government to help the people. During the time of the Covid pandemic media’s work was very good", said Cuddalore District Collector Shri K Balasubramaniam.
He said this while speaking at a workshop for journalists conducted by Press Information Bureau, Chennai in Cuddalore.
The media’s work in tourism development is also excellent, he said and added people visit tourist places which they know through the media. Like other departments, workshops for the media are equally important. When all pillars of the democracy work together governance would be good, he said. The workshop conducted by PIB is highly important and very useful for journalists, stated the Collector.
Shri S Venkateshwar, Director General  Ministry of Information and Broadcasting addressed the gathering. PIB Chennai has been conducting various workshops across the State for the past 10 years. The aim of the workshop is to build professional excellence among the journalists. "Media professionals should enhance their knowledge of understanding fake news. Journalists must provide the right news at the right time", said Shri Venkateshwar.
PIB Chennai Additional Director General Shri M Annadurai spoke about the purpose of the workshop in the welcome address.
Collector Shri Balasubramaniam released a book on Central Government's Schemes for Journalists. Interactive sessions were conducted. Additional Director for Social Welfare Smt G Jayalakshmi; Deputy Director  Dr R Meera; Deputy Director, Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ms D Subhashree; Deputy Director  Shri Arun; and Deputy Director  Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Shri N M Vel Murugan explained the activities of their respective departments.
Puducherry Field Outreach Bureau Deputy Director Shri T Shivakumar rendered the vote of thanks. Nearly 75 Journalists attended the functions.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Watan - a patriotic song by DD - released by Shri Prakash Javadekar
Song free of copyright - to ensure ease of sharing on all communication platforms
Union Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar released patriotic song “Watan” produced by Doordarshan to mark the occasion of Independence Day, 2019 in New Delhi today.
The song pays tribute to New India. It highlights several path breaking initiatives of the government including the determination and vision behind the recent successful launch of "Chandrayaan 2". The song also pays tribute to the bravery and valour of our armed forces and the martyrs of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Javadekar congratulated Doordarshan and Prasar Bharati for creating the song. He added that the song will add colour and fervour to the Independence Day celebrations this year.
Sung by famous Bollywood singer Shri Javed Ali, penned by lyricist Shri Alok Shrivastav and musically composed by Shri Dushyant, this special song has been produced by Doordarshan, Prasar Bharati. Being broadcast by all the stations and kendras of Akashvani and Doordarshan, this song has been made free of copyright by Doordarshan and Ministry of I&B for all the FM stations, entertainment and news TV channels, social media and all other communication platforms to ensure that more and more citizens of this country can enjoy and share this song and celebrate Independence Day with this song.
Chairman, Prasar Bharati Dr. A. Suryaprakash; CEO, Prasar Bharati Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati; DG, Doordarshan Ms. Supriya Sahu; DG, DD News, Shri Mayank Agrawal; DG, AIR, Shri F. Sheheryar along with senior officers of Ministry of I&B and Prasar Bharati were also present on the occasion.